STAND-IN Manly captain Matt Orford believes Ben Kennedy's enforced lay-off through injury may prove a blessing in disguise once the play-offs get under way next month.
The inspirational Kennedy will miss Sunday's match against South Sydney at Brookvale Oval.

He may not be available again until the finals.

But Orford insists Kennedy's absence is not all negative and the international will return with a fresh approach for the finals.

"Of course you'd rather have him

out there playing in every game,'' Orford said.

"But getting a rest at this stage of the year may not be a bad thing.

"He will come back nice and fresh at a vital time of the year and he'll be ready to go.''

Prop Jason King echoed Orford's view.

``We're definitely going to miss BK - he's a big loss - but when he comes back it will be a massive boost,'' he said.